THESE AREN’T YOUR GRANDMA’S STOCKINGS

Peripheral Vascular Disease is the medical name given to a group of problems causing poor circulation to the feet and legs. The most common cause of this is the hardening of the arteries (aka atherosclerosis) in which there is a gradual thickening and hardening of the walls of the blood vessels that bring blood to the extremities from your heart.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms experienced can depend on which artery is affected and how much the blood flow is reduced.
Some symptoms include:

• Claudication (this is a dull cramping pain in the calf muscle that comes on after walking a certain distance - usually relieved by rest)

• Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes

• Changes in the colour of the skin (it becomes more pale, bluish, or reddish)

• Changes in the skin temperature (the foot becomes cooler to the touch)

• Skin breakdowns, infection and sores do not heal as well as they should

HOW CAN COMPRESSION STOCKINGS HELP?

You can wear compression stockings for various reasons. If you commute for more than four hours a day, fly often, or participate in sports like CrossFit or marathon running, compression stockings can help regulate blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling in your legs.
In addition, compression stockings can help ease the swelling due to:

• Pregnancy

• Travel (aka “Economy Class Syndrome”)

• Spider veins

• Varicose veins

• Venous edema

• Leg ulcer

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Lymphedema

• Lipedema

• Diabetes

If you have one of these conditions, speak with your family physician about getting a prescription for compression stockings, and then see us to find your perfect fit. 

HOW WE HELP
Podiatric management of those with peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation) should include:

• A complete evaluation and assessment of the circulation status of your feet, reviewing your prescription, and measuring you for your custom stockings

• Reassessments of your status every 6 months

• Advice on foot care and fitting footwear

We have a wide range of stockings suitable for everyday wear, sport, and maternity that will make it easy to find stockings to fit your life and your style.
Call or email us if you have any questions about how compression stockings can improve your leg health.